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Wednesday's aren't usually busy in the NHL universe but we have a solid seven-game schedule on our hands this evening, putting nearly half of the league's team on the ice Wednesday night. Let's make sure we take advantage of the increase in action and pad our bankrolls!
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In this article, I'll provide my favorite betting picks for the NHL games on Wednesday, January 24. We will focus on money line bets, totals, and team totals. With all of that said, let's break down some hockey games. Follow me on Twitter/X @BKemp17.
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Today's NHL Betting Picks - Washington Capitals vs. Colorado Avalanche
O/U: 6 | Moneyline: COL (-245)
The Colorado Avalanche play host to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night, a rare cross-conference tilt from Ball Arena in Denver.
Ball Arena has been a death sentence for opponents this season. The Avalanche are a cool 18-5-0 at home this season versus 12-9-3 on the road. They rank first in home offense with 4.22 goals per game on home ice. They have hung a seven-spot on two of their last three opponents. Those games came on the road as the Avs return home from a five-game road trip for this one. They have two at home before departing for another lengthy six-game trip following the All-Star break and bye.
While the Avs sat at home and continued to rest from the long road trip, the Capitals took on the Wild Tuesday night in Minnesota, dropping a 5-3 final in the State of Hockey. That's back-to-back losses to begin a four-game road trip after a 3-0 shutout defeat in St. Louis on Saturday. The offense now sits 30th overall and the power play 26th. It's been a tough season for a perennially strong Capitals offense.
The overall defense and penalty kill have been solid and easily rank in the top half of the league but they also sit 26th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at five-on-five (5v5) on the season. Additionally, the Caps sit 27th in expected goals for percentage (xGF%) at 5v5 this season. Although not guaranteed, this is a defense that should regress at even strength moving forward.
Add in the back-to-back scenario against a powerhouse Avalanche team on home ice and this is a monster of a mountain for a veteran-laden Capitals roster on Wednesday night. There's plenty of value in the Avs taking care of business tonight, with authority.
Pick: Avalanche puck line -1.5 (+100, DraftKings sportsbook)
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Today's NHL Betting Picks - St. Louis Blues vs. Vancouver Canucks
O/U: 6 | Moneyline: VAN (-230)
The Vancouver Canucks will look to keep their dominance at home intact as they welcome the St. Louis Blues to the west coast Wednesday evening.
Like the Capitals, the Blues were in action on Tuesday night, grabbing a come-from-behind, 4-3 road victory over the Calgary Flames thanks to a pair of third-period goals, including the game-winner from veteran Brandon Saad with less than a minute to go in regulation. St. Louis trailed 3-1 before scoring three unanswered goals to win it.
That marks back-to-back wins after three straight losses for the Blues. Tuesday night aside, offense has been an issue for much of the season as the Blues sit 26th in overall offense, although they've been better after a brutal start. They still sit 29th on the power play and 27th in expected goals for per 60 (xGF/60) at 5v5. Their 2.34 goals/60 at 5v5 is nearly identical to their 2.37 expected mark, meaning this 26th-ranked offense has deserved its fate.
St. Louis improved to just 9-12-1 on the road on Tuesday.
The Blues will be in enemy territory against the league's No. 1 overall offense tonight in Vancouver. The Canucks are 17-4-1 at home where they rank third with 3.91 goals per game. More impressive is their 2.18 goals against per game at home, which is good for the best home defense in the NHL.
Vancouver owns a three-game winning streak and has out-scored their opponents 10-5 in that time. They have allowed one goal or fewer in two of those three games and in three of their last five.
Lather, rinse, repeat. Like with the Avs hosting the Capitals, this Canucks team that has been so very dominant on home ice has a prime opportunity to stomp an opponent coming in playing their second game in 24 hours. Let's put some faith into a powerful Canucks offense and stingy defense tonight on home ice.
Pick: Canucks puck line -1.5 (+110, DraftKings sportsbook)
Good luck, RotoBallers! Let's cash some bets and make some money today!
